Aster plant named Sunrose

ABSTRACT

An aster plant named Sunrose particularly characterized by its purple-violet ray floret color which does not fade on maturity; bushy habit with close internodes and sharply angular side branching; early flowering; prolific side branching; and by its one and one-half rows of ray florets.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of aster,botanically known as Aster ericoides, and hereinafter referred to by thecultivar name Sunrose.

The new cultivar was originated from a cross made by applicant in acontrolled breeding program in Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The female, orseed, parent was a cultivar designated 5-DDP-18. The male, or pollen,parent was a cultivar designated DPS.

Sunrose was discovered and selected by applicant as a flowering plantwithin the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment inMishmar Hashiva, Israel. Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar byvegetative cuttings, as performed by applicant at Mishmar Hashiva,Israel, has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retainedthrough successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Sunrose has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity and day length. Thefollowing observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in Mishmar Hashiva, Israel under conditions which closelyapproximate those generally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Sunrose which, in combination, distinguishthis aster as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. The purple-violet ray floret color is unique, and the color does notfade with maturity.

2. The shape of the stem is different, being bushy with short intervalsbetween internodes, and side branching at a very sharp angle (25°) tothe stem.

3. Relatively early natural flowering date of Sep. 5-10.

4. Prolific side branching resulting in profuse flowering at certainperiods of the year.

5. Single to double flower type, with 1.5 rows of ray florets.

The new cultivar can be compared to the cultivar Dark Pink Star, withthe flower color of Sunrose being generally similar but somewhat darkerthan the color of Dark Pink Star. In addition, Sunrose is distinguishedfrom Dark Pink Star by its larger number of petals, earlier flowering,and more flowering on its secondary branches.

Sunrose is also distinctive when compared with its parents. The femaleparent is generally characterized by its purple flower color, bushystems and rich flowering. The male parent is characterized by its lightpurple flower color, tall growth habit and its productivity. Thecombined characteristics of Sunrose are clearly unexpected in view ofthe traits of its parents.

The accompanying color photographic drawings show a typical specimenplant of the new cultivar. The top photograph comprises a frontperspective view of a section of a plant of Sunrose. The bottom photocomprises an enlarged closeup view of a single flower of Sunrose. Theperspective view very accurately depicts flower and foliage color. Inthe closeup photograph, the ray florets are substantially morered-purple than the actual purple-violet ray floret color, but flowerform and disc floret form and color are more clearly shown.

In the following description, color references are made to the RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart (RHS), except where general colors ofordinary significance are referred to. Color values were taken underartificial light conditions at approximately noon on Jan. 20, 1991 atMishmar Hashiva, Israel.

Botanical classification: Aster ericoides cv Sunrose.

Parentage:

Male parent.--DPS.

Female parent.--5-DDP-18.

Propagation: By stem cuttings, tissue culture and division.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Capitulum:

Form.--Generally flat.

Type.--Daisy.

Diameter across face.--2-2.5 cm.

B. Corolla of ray florets:

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Purple.

Color (upper surface).--80A.

Color (under surface).--88C.

Number of ray florets.--28-30, appearing in 1.5 rows, thereby giving theflower an appearance between single and double forms.

C. Corolla of disc florets:

Color (mature).--Light yellow.

Color (immature).--Yellow.

Diameter of disc.--0.7-0.8 cm.

D. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--A single anther 2 mm in length and yellow 1D in color;pollen is yellow.

Gynoecium.--Style is approximately 3 mm in length and yellow 1D incolor.

E. Flowering season: Natural flowering in Israel is early, occurringapproximately Sep. 5-10. In photoperiodically controlled programs,flowering occurs after only five weeks of short days following fourweeks of long days.

PLANT

A. General appearance: Generally bushy habit, with medium tall stems.Quantity of flowering on secondary branches depends on season of theyear, with flowering being greatest in the summer.

B. Height: Medium tall, with height at commencement of flowering being80-90 cm, based on short day control as above described.

C. Foliage:

Color.--137A-B.

Shape.--Long and narrow; typical leaf is approximately 13 cm long and1.3 cm wide.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of aster plant named Sunrose, asillustrated and described.